The Third Sunday in Lent draws the faithful into a deeper encounter with God’s mercy, His call to holiness, and Christ’s triumph over darkness. The appointed Scriptures for this Sunday form a unified message: we cry out from the depths, we are called to walk as children of light, and we are warned not to remain neutral in the spiritual battle that Christ has already won.
- Introit – Oculi mei (Psalm 25)
“Mine eyes are ever looking unto the Lord, for he shall pluck my feet out of the net…”
The Sunday begins with a cry for deliverance and trust. The Church opens Lent III with uplifted eyes—seeking God’s mercy in desolation and pleading not to be confounded.
- Collect of the Day
“Look upon the hearty desires of thy humble servants, and stretch forth the right hand of thy Majesty, to be our defence…”
The Collect asks God to defend His people from every enemy, acknowledging that we depend entirely on His power.
- First Lesson – Genesis 3:9‑15
We return to Eden, where sin’s wound is first exposed. God calls, “Where are you?”—revealing humanity’s fear, shame, and blame. Yet even here, God promises the Redeemer: the woman’s seed who will crush the serpent’s head. This first proclamation of the Gospel (the protoevangelium) frames Lent as a journey toward restoration.
- Psalm 130 – De profundis
“Out of the depths I cry to thee, O Lord!”
This powerful penitential psalm expresses both despair over sin and steadfast hope in God’s forgiveness. The psalmist waits upon the Lord “more than watchmen for the morning,” echoing the Lenten posture of watchfulness and yearning for redemption.
- Epistle – Ephesians 5:1‑14
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children… walk as children of light.”
St. Paul contrasts the works of darkness with the life of holiness to which Christians are called. He warns against impurity, covetousness, foolish speech, and empty words. Instead, believers are to live in goodness, righteousness, and truth—exposing darkness by the light of Christ.
This reading urges us toward a Lenten way of life marked by virtue and vigilance.
- Gradual – Psalm 9 & Psalm 123
“Unto thee lift I up mine eyes…”
These verses reinforce the themes of plea, dependence, and humble expectation of God’s mercy.
- Gospel – Luke 11:14‑28
Jesus casts out a demon, yet some accuse Him of working by Beelzebub. The Lord responds with a clear warning:
“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation…”
He reveals the impossibility of neutrality: “He that is not with me is against me.”
Jesus shows Himself to be the “stronger man” who overcomes the evil one and frees the captive. The Gospel ends with a blessing—not on biological connection, but on those who hear the word of God and keep it.
This is the heart of Lent III: acknowledging Christ’s authority over evil and responding with obedient hearts.
Walking the Way of Lent III
The Third Sunday in Lent brings together:
- Honest repentance (Psalm 130)
- Deep trust in God’s mercy (Introit; Gradual)
- A call to holy living (Ephesians 5)
- Recognition of Christ’s victory over evil (Luke 11)
- A renewed commitment to “hear the Word of God and keep it.”
As St. Timothy’s continues through Lent, these readings invite us to lift our eyes to the Lord, turn from darkness, and walk in the radiant light of Christ’s redeeming power.
Missal Propers: THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT
Missal Propers for the Third Sunday in Lent, a religious liturgical text used in Christian worship. It includes various scriptural readings, prayers, and chants intended for the observance of this specific Sunday.